Paediatric Respiratory Service

• Asthma and complex asthma
• Complex respiratory disorders
• Cystic fibrosis
• Non-CF bronchiectasis
• Long Term Ventilation
• Sleep breathing-related disorders
• Recurrent respiratory infections in children with complex medical needs, especially those with neuromuscular conditions or cerebral palsy
• Respiratory problems related to cleft palate, scoliosis or other surgical issues
• Pneumothoraces
• Immunodeficiency disorders and respiratory problems related to or due to immunodeficiency

• Regional Flexible Bronchoscopy service
• Home Overnight sleep studies (oximetry, oxycapnography and cardiorespiratory study)
• In-Patient (cardiorespiratory) Sleep studies
• Lung Function Testing including FeNO
• Sweat Chloride Testing

Respiratory physiotherapy is a vital part of managing long term conditions and they work alongside the Respiratory doctors and other members of the Respiratory team. They are present in the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) clinics, Difficult Asthma, Complex Chest and Lung Defence clinics.

They also run their own Respiratory Physiotherapy clinic once a week for children who have problems with breathing. Respiratory Physiotherapy focuses on maintaining and improving lung health by means of airway clearance, correction of breathing patterns and physical exercise for overall fitness and improving posture.

The Paediatric Dietitians work closely with the other members of the team to support all infants and children with CF to manage their nutritional treatments and help them to achieve their full growth potential.

They monitor growth, nutrient intake, pancreatic enzyme therapy, vitamin levels and bone strength and give tailored advice to improve these when necessary.

Support is provided from CF diagnosis until transition at clinic visits, during inpatient admissions and by telephone or email contact as required

Upon referral from the Respiratory Consultants, the Dietitians can also provide nutritional support and advice for infants and children with other respiratory conditions who are admitted to a paediatric Ward at Addenbrooke’s hospital or to local patients seen at the Lung defence clinic.

The paediatric psychologists work closely with other members of the Respiratory team to support children, young people and their families to understand and cope with any difficulties they might be experiencing as a result of their health condition. This might include coping with medication and procedures, support with the difficult thoughts or feelings that can come from living with a health condition (such as anxiety, sadness and anger), and support to manage the impact that this can have on other areas of life (such as school and relationships).

The paediatric psychologists meet with families regularly as part of the Cystic Fibrosis clinics. A psychologist will also be part of the assessment appointments in the Complex Asthma clinics. If you are coming to one of the other Respiratory service clinics and you would like support from the psychology team, you will be able to discuss a referral with your doctor, nurse, or other health professional.

A referral to the service can be made via post or email (details provided above on the right hand side).

Our outpatient clinics are normally in clinic 6 or the CDC. If you have any questions please ring clinic 6 via the hospital switchboard.

Children and young people who require a hospital stay are normally cared on F3, D2, HDU or C3 ward.

• Together For Short Lives (opens in a new tab)
• Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Family Support Group (opens in a new tab)
• Immunodeficiency UK (opens in a new tab)